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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Cain breaks down the very broad world of extroversion and introversion, while discussing highly sensitive people, in depth. She covers so many bases I had to put this book down for awhile to process it. I thought I had a really good grasp on what it means for me to be an introvert but she brought up a few things I have never thought of or reactions I have that I attribute to anxiety and not 1st introversion. She last chapters on teaching, parenting, and relationships were especially enlightening for me. Read it!
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This is a must-read for anyone who lives, works, or interacts with introverts -- in other words, everyone.
Cain earned my good graces right away by going over the strict psychology definitions of introvert and extrovert (extravert), and then explaining that because our cultural use of the terms expands to include things like being shy or outgoing, or being sensitive, she would also touch on the research about these traits, with the understanding that not everyone who identifies as an introvert has all these associated traits.
The book sets up the discussion of introversion by explaining how the U.S. went through a shift from a Culture of Character -- where the most important thing about you was what you did when no one was watching -- to a Culture of Personality -- where you were judged on how outgoing and friendly you were. This has created the "Extrovert Ideal" that shapes what we value in business and education.
Cain explains not only what value introverts bring to organizations, relationships, and life in general, but how managers, teachers, and parents can nurture introverts and help them thrive.
Although not everything in here resonated with me personally, many things did. It was nice to be able to realize that I'm not weird for my avoidance of violent movies (which stay with me for years) and amateur improv shows (I find it painful to watch others being embarrassed) -- I'm just a "high-sensitivity" person, not uncommon for an introvert.
This book is valuable for introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts (somewhere in between) alike, as it will help you better understand the environments in which you thrive and how to help others do the same.
Cain earned my good graces right away by going over the strict psychology definitions of introvert and extrovert (extravert), and then explaining that because our cultural use of the terms expands to include things like being shy or outgoing, or being sensitive, she would also touch on the research about these traits, with the understanding that not everyone who identifies as an introvert has all these associated traits.
The book sets up the discussion of introversion by explaining how the U.S. went through a shift from a Culture of Character -- where the most important thing about you was what you did when no one was watching -- to a Culture of Personality -- where you were judged on how outgoing and friendly you were. This has created the "Extrovert Ideal" that shapes what we value in business and education.
Cain explains not only what value introverts bring to organizations, relationships, and life in general, but how managers, teachers, and parents can nurture introverts and help them thrive.
Although not everything in here resonated with me personally, many things did. It was nice to be able to realize that I'm not weird for my avoidance of violent movies (which stay with me for years) and amateur improv shows (I find it painful to watch others being embarrassed) -- I'm just a "high-sensitivity" person, not uncommon for an introvert.
This book is valuable for introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts (somewhere in between) alike, as it will help you better understand the environments in which you thrive and how to help others do the same.
informative
medium-paced
I struggle with non-fiction book reviews so I tend to stay away from them but I would like to briefly summarize my experience having read this book to help others like me.
If you are an introvert, or you are surrounded by family or friends who are introverts, this is the kind of book you should read at least once in your life. Susan Cain has done a brilliant job at helping the readers find a good, healthy balance between extroversion and introversion. This book isn't about why we are better or why extroverts may be better, none of that! This book is about harmony and being proud in our own skin, no matter what our temperament maybe. This book is about embracing with arms wide open the introvert in you, its about forgiving yourself for each time you had to do something that was way outside your comfort zone, its about understanding that it is OK to not want people around at all times.
Susan has discussed many facets of life in this book such as work life, love life, raising introverted children or being parents to extroverted children and she has given examples from real life experiences and she has also discussed research studies to back up her arguments. It has been a delight, reading and seeing myself in a more gentle, accepting light and its the kind of book that I will always find myself reading whenever I feel TOO introverted for this world.
If you are an introvert, or you are surrounded by family or friends who are introverts, this is the kind of book you should read at least once in your life. Susan Cain has done a brilliant job at helping the readers find a good, healthy balance between extroversion and introversion. This book isn't about why we are better or why extroverts may be better, none of that! This book is about harmony and being proud in our own skin, no matter what our temperament maybe. This book is about embracing with arms wide open the introvert in you, its about forgiving yourself for each time you had to do something that was way outside your comfort zone, its about understanding that it is OK to not want people around at all times.
Susan has discussed many facets of life in this book such as work life, love life, raising introverted children or being parents to extroverted children and she has given examples from real life experiences and she has also discussed research studies to back up her arguments. It has been a delight, reading and seeing myself in a more gentle, accepting light and its the kind of book that I will always find myself reading whenever I feel TOO introverted for this world.
It’s refreshing to read about the advantages of being an introvert. As an adult I’ve come to appreciate these qualities about myself, but it took me years of misunderstandings and criticisms. Hopefully, others are finding this and other similar books earlier in life.
There were a couple of suggestions that I didn’t completely agree with, but overall I enjoyed the book. It is full of inspiration, suggestions and an overall celebratory feeling.
If you’re looking to better understand yourself or someone you love, this is a great place to start.
There were a couple of suggestions that I didn’t completely agree with, but overall I enjoyed the book. It is full of inspiration, suggestions and an overall celebratory feeling.
If you’re looking to better understand yourself or someone you love, this is a great place to start.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I am so glad I read this. I think every educator, parent, and manager needs to read this, introvert or extrovert. It answered a lot of questions for me on how I am the way I am or why I behave the way I do, and why I feel so out of place in many situations (the world I live and work in is not tooled to welcome or even accommodate introverts). It also provides a number of examples for extroverts (teachers, parents, managers) on how to make room and space for introverts.
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Hopeful and strenghtening for introverts